Car Check Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the information come from?

We use data from a range of data sources. These include the vehicle
registry office, Irish Credit Bureau and sources within the motor
industry in Ireland.

Is this the same as an HPI Check?

The short answer is yes. HPI Check is a term used in the UK to describe a history and finance check on a car.

Is the service we provide superior to Cartell?

While we use similar sources for our data, there are a number of key
differences.

Our outstanding finance check is instant, whereas you will have to wait
for the Cartell finance check (Information verified 04/09/07)

Cartell do not allow you to purchase an outstanding finance check on its own

Our engineers use a full/static vehicle inspection ramp (this allows for
a thorough inspection of the undercarriage of the vehicle)

Our prices are significantly cheaper

Can we provide a report for motorcycles and vans?

Yes, we can check the history of cars, motorcycles and light commercial
vehicles.

Is my on-line transaction safe?

Protecting
your information is a priority. We therefore utilise Secure Sockets
Layer (SSL) technology to protect all personal information including
your card number, name and address when ordering a report from our
website.

To
confirm that your connection is secure, simply look at the lower
right-hand corner of your browser window after accessing a server. If
you see an unbroken key or a closed lock (depending upon your
browser), the SSL is active and your information is secure. You can
also double-check by looking at the URL line of your browser. When
accessing a secure server, the first characters of the site address
will change from 'http' to 'https.' Some versions of browsers and
some firewalls don't permit communication even though the server is
secure.

How long does it take to get my vehicle check results and how will I receive them?

The report is delivered on screen to you as soon as your request is
processed (usually within a couple of minutes). You will also receive
an email with a link to the report which is available for 30 days.

What do I do if the vehicle is recorded as scrapped?

If the vehicle is recorded as being scrapped, we strongly advise that
you do not purchase it.

What do I do if the vehicle is recorded as a write-off?

A car is deemed to be a write-off if it has been declared a total loss
by an insurer, usually after an accident or if it has been stolen and
subsequently damaged. We strongly recommend you do not purchase the
car.

What do I do if the vehicle has outstanding finance?

If your outstanding finance check highlights that the vehicle has
outstanding finance on it, we recommend that you contact the seller
directly to determine the vehicle's current status and ask for
evidence in the form of a letter from their finance house to ensure
that all finance owing is cleared before completing any final
purchase agreement.

What do I do if the vehicle has a mileage anomaly?

If your history check highlights a mileage discrepancy this could mean
that the mileage has been tampered with. We would advise you not to
proceed with the purchase.

What if the history check shows the vehicle has a large number of previous owners?

If your check highlights the fact that the vehicle has had many
previous owners, you should take this into account before proceeding
with the purchase.

What if the last date of sale is recent?

It would be advisable to query with the owner why they are selling and
to satisfy yourself that the reason given is genuine. If the seller
has only recently bought the car they may be looking to off load an
expensive repair. If the NCT has also expired be particularly
cautious.

What if the history check shows the vehicle is not taxed or has no NCT

If the vehicle is not taxed or does not have a current NCT certificate
you should ask the current owner why this is the case (beware if the
car was only recently taxed or got the NCT it may not show up on the
report).

What if the history check shows the vehicle was imported?

If your check highlights the fact that the vehicle has been
imported, we would advise caution. It would certainly be advisable
to undertake a car inspection. If you decide to proceed with the
purchase you may also be able to use this information to secure a
discount.

What if the history check shows the vehicle was used as a taxi or hired car?

These cars are likely to have done a lot of hard miles. Should you proceed,
ensure the price paid reflects the much greater risk of costly
repairs.

Can I get a report for a non-Irish registered vehicle?

No, but we will soon be offering this service

Can I conduct a Check over the phone?

Yes, our customer support team can conduct the check for you over the
phone. The number is 01-7055537 Monday to Friday 9.00am – 6.00pm.

Is the price of a vehicle check online the same if I carry it out over the phone?

Yes, the price is exactly the same whether you do a check online or if you
do it over the telephone.

What if my Internet connection is lost before I view my report?

If your local Internet connection fails after your credit card has been
entered, but before you see your report online, please wait a few
minutes for the email to arrive. If you are still experiencing
problems please contact us on support@carsireland.ie

Who do I contact if I have difficulty in obtaining my report results?

First, please verify that the personal data you entered is correct and that
your credit card information is valid. Then wait a few minutes for
the email to arrive. If there is still a problem, please contact the
Customer Services team on support@carsireland.ie

What about my privacy?

We are committed to protecting your privacy. User information is only
used to support the checks we provide to you. This use
includes, but is not limited to, order fulfillment, customer service,
billing, collections and other similar functions. Except as noted
otherwise, user information will not be shared with third parties for
any purpose. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.

What about my credit card information?

All credit card information you enter through the CarsIreland.ie
site is transmitted via secure sockets layer (SSL) technology. Credit
card information is never displayed or saved on our server. It is
used solely to complete the transaction. Other than
verifying credit card information, we will never willfully disclose
credit card information to any third party for any purpose. Feel free
to review our Privacy Policy.